The 10 most beautiful hikes to do in the Vaucluse

The hiking trails of the Vaucluse offer you the opportunity to discover all the most beautiful sites in the department at your own pace, through various routes, from the summit of the Ventoux to the Luberon, in the heart of the beautiful landscapes of Provence.

Hiking in the Vaucluse is also the end of the chip jumps by car, crowded parking lots and influx of embarrassing visitors... Enjoy the quiet area, taking your time on the trails, as you like!

In Provence, it is good to walk a little all year round, but in spring, when the maquis takes its brightest colors, and the back-season, when the Vaucluse finds its tranquility and the mercury falls, are the two seasons of hikers.

In the summer, the smells of thyme and oregano abound, well heated by the sun of the south... At this time, think to protect yourself from heat, and always go with a good water supply.

From the family walk and easy to the more crowded denivelé, everyone will find their account with the most beautiful hikes of the Vaucluse.

1. The paths of the Gordes maquis

Gordes is a must-see among the perched villages of the Luberon. With this hike in the Vaucluse, you connect three sites not to be missed during your visit to the corner: the village of Gordes itself, superb, the village of Bories and its dry stone huts, then the Abbey of Senanque, at the bottom of its vallon filled with lavender fields.

On the way, see many views of the Luberon, in the middle of Provençal maquis, for an abundance of beautiful views and good smells.

2. The summit of the Ventoux from Mont Serein

Mont Ventoux culminates in an isolated way at 1 909 m above Provence: its ascent counts among the hikes of the truly mythical Vaucluse... Several variants exist, but many are difficult because of the significant denial.

Here we go in a loop from Mont Serein, with a small climber to reach the summit, from which there is a 360° view of the Rhone valley to the Alps through the Mediterranean. Strongly advised in spring with a beautiful visibility, less on the other hand when the Mistral blows strong...

3. The lace of Montmirail by Gigondas

Not far from Mont Ventoux, Les Dentelles de Montmirail are another must-see natural site for hiking in the Vaucluse. Several paths are possible, but enjoy your passage around the corner to visit Gigondas, known for its vineyards.

Then take this well-marked path through the limestones cut from the Lace, in the direction of the Rocher du Midi (470 m): breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The return is done in a loop, for a beautiful hike, accessible to everyone who is more.

4. The Fontaine-de-Vaucluse loop

Beautiful loop around the famous village of Fontaine-de-Vaucluse, don’t hesitate to crochet to observe the mysterious resurgence that gave its name to the village.

Then, this pretty hike from the Vaucluse takes the height for beautiful views of Fontaine and the surrounding area, then crosses the Sorgue by the aqueduct of Galas. Foresee what to picnic on the way for a half day out.

5. Colorado Provençal

Go to Rustrel, in the Luberon, for this hike in the Vaucluse through the surprising landscapes of the Colorado Provençal: this ancient quarry of ochre with so characteristic hues (attention to fragile clothing, the ocher does not go easily!) forms with the erosion a uncommon geological ensemble, which indeed resembles the Colorado Desert.

The White Desert, the Sahara The Ways of the Fairies... The names of the landmarks are evocative. The circuit is very well equipped and easily travels with family.

6. The Gorges du Régalon

Very narrow in places, the Gorges du Régalon are a real experience in the Luberon. A hike from the Vaucluse to be made with a family to give a little taste of adventure, when you have to cross the narrow walls of the canyon, or cross the river to beg!

According to the season, the Gorges du Régalon change their faces. Big asset for a summer outing: it’s always fresh at the bottom of the gorges, you can walk in the middle of the day.

7. The Gorges de la Nesque

Other spectacular gorges, this time nestled in the Monts Vaucluse at the foot of the foothills of the Ventoux. The departure is located in the village of Monieux, to be visited by the passage.

The trail overlooks the impressive canyon in a first time, then descends into the bottom of the gorges via the chapel of Saint-Michel. The return is done by going up the gorges, by Lake Monieux. A classic of the Vaucluse hikes.

8. The Cedar Forest in the Luberon

There are not only villages perched in the Luberon. For a nice hike in the Vaucluse in the forest, direction the surroundings of Bonnieux and the Cedar Forest.

This beautiful, easy and within reach of all, walks the slopes of the Luberon massif through the maquis and trees, including venerable centenary cedars. The route then climbs towards the Portalas ark and its unbeatable point of view, before returning to the starting point.

9. The Mourre Nègre loop

We stay in the Luberon massif for a new superb hike in the Vaucluse: a loop whose difficulty will not be the distance to go, but rather the denivelé, about 600 m to climb to reach the highest point of the massif, the Mourre Nègre, at 1,125 m above sea level.

The motivation of this ascent lies of course in the panorama offered from the top, on the Durance Valley, Marseille and the Mediterranean. Great! The return is done in a loop to reach the village of Auribeau, the starting point.

10. The Crests of Arfuyen

A hike from the Vaucluse to enjoy a breathtaking view of two emblematic highlights of the department: Dentelles de Montmirail on one side, Mont Ventoux on the other.

For this, take the trail of the Crests of Arfuyen from the village of Malaucène, whose situation is quite exceptional! With a solid denial, plan a good half-day walk, or even more to take your time and enjoy the panorama on the surroundings.